County dispatchers honored
By Melinda L. Lucas
The second week in April is traditionally designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and last week, April 10-16, local dispatchers were recognized for work they do behind the scenes.
Many people don’t realize the training and discipline necessary to become a public safety dispatcher, according to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller.
A new dispatcher is required to take the basic telecommunicator licensing course within the first year of being hired. In addition, dispatchers must attend a TDD/TTY course to learn to communicate with callers who are deaf or unable to verbally communicate.
Dispatchers must have 20 continuing education hours every two years, and local dispatchers are required to have additional training because of assigned jail duties.
“We really have a little bit of a twist when it comes to Shackelford County training requirements,” Miller said. “Because our dispatchers also serve as jailers, they have to obtain that additional education and license, so they end up with two state licenses.”
Miller said his staff wears a number of hats for the department.
“Not only do they answer 911 calls and general switchboard calls, they manage radio traffic, monitor the jail cameras, and search female inmates on intake,” said Miller.
In addition to Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center dispatch supervisor Kelly Pate, the current staff includes Misty Stevens, Melynda Flournoy, and Autumn Palato.
Miller hopes to have a fifth dispatcher in place by the end of the month.
The sheriff is impressed with how well the staff steps up when needed.
“They cover for each other; they cover for the jailers; they do whatever I ask of them,” said Miller. “They’re great team players.”
Dispatchers work assigned schedules of six to 12 hour shifts with rotating weekends off in order to constantly staff the communications center and to send police, fire, and EMS personnel on calls.
“Our call center currently dispatches for the sheriff’s office, Albany Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Shackelford County EMS, Texas Parks and Wildlife, constable, and five local and area fire departments,” said Miller. “There is a dispatcher on duty seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”
